First McDonald’s restaurant to open in Bosnia and Herzegovina

McDonald’s Europe has announced that the first McDonald’s restaurant will open in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the third quarter of 2011, and will be followed by additional restaurants, including a restaurant in Banja Luka, which is subject to local authority approval.

The restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be operated by Developmental Licensee companies, GLIESE 581g d.o.o. and Dreamfoods Restorani d.o.o, who have obtained master franchise rights for the country. The companies will be responsible for the capital investments to expand operations and promote the McDonald’s brand in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

McDonald’s has been using Developmental License structure as a form of franchising for more than 30 years to grow the brand by leveraging expertise and entrepreneurial spirit on a local basis.

Steve Easterbrook, President of McDonalds Europe, said: "We are pleased to bring McDonald’s to new customers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our Developmental Licensees are well placed to provide an outstanding restaurant experience and long term sustainable benefits for local staff, suppliers and the McDonald’s brand."